FFmpeg Gif Dithering: A Game-Changer for Smaller File Sizes

In the world of video compression, every byte counts. When working with GIFs, a small file size can make all the difference between a smooth user experience and a frustrating loading screen. In this article, we'll explore how FFmpeg's gif dithering feature can help you create smaller, more efficient GIFs.

Using FFmpeg version 4.1.4, we recently observed a significant difference in size between the GIFs we created using the software and those generated by Tenor. The latter is known for its high-quality, nano-sized GIFs (90px height, maintaining aspect ratio), which are perfect for GIF previews and shares on mobile devices.

To convert an MP4 file to a GIF while maintaining the properties of Tenor's nano GIFs, we used the following FFmpeg command:

`ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex 'fps=10,scale=-1:90:flags=lanczos,split'palettegen'paletteuse' output.gif`

This command is quite complex, but it's broken down into several key components. The `fps=10` setting ensures that our GIF plays back at a consistent 10 frames per second, while the `scale=-1:90` setting scales the video to maintain its aspect ratio and sets a fixed height of 90px. The `flags=lanczos` setting helps to reduce aliasing and improve image quality.

The real magic happens with the `palettegen` and `paletteuse` filters. These two filters work together to create a color palette for our GIF, which is then used to dither the final image. This process reduces the number of colors needed to represent the original video, resulting in a smaller file size.

By using FFmpeg's gif dithering feature, we're able to create high-quality GIFs that are significantly smaller than those generated by other tools. This makes them perfect for sharing on social media, adding to websites or blogs, and even using as animations in presentations or videos.

In conclusion, FFmpeg's gif dithering feature is a powerful tool for creating small, efficient GIFs that can be easily shared and used in a variety of contexts. By combining this feature with the right filters and settings, you can create stunning GIFs that are sure to impress your audience.

Ffmpeg gif dithering